Million Moms Challenge Announces Photo Contest to Award Session with Anne Geddes in Australia
Enjoy this article? You may also be interested in these related items from our partners
 Grumpy for Life Tee for Adults - Walt Disney World from DisneyStore.com |  I'm Going to Walt Disney World Resort! Tee for... from DisneyStore.com |  Mickey Mouse Bodysuit for Baby - Walt Disney World from DisneyStore.com |
Calling all expectant moms! Today the Million Moms Challenge, in collaboration with ABC News, the United Nations Foundation, Disney Baby and Anne Geddes, launched Imagine Me & You, a photo contest to win a trip for two adults, plus baby, to Australia for a photo shoot with world-renowned photographer Anne Geddes.
The contest, which was announced on “Good Morning America” today, Monday, November 28 is designed to celebrate the universal dream that mothers everywhere have for healthy, happy babies who will grow to reach their full potential. To enter the contest, expectant moms in their third trimester can upload a picture of their “baby bump” on www.Facebook.com/millionmomschallenge, along with an original, creative message written on their bellies capturing their wishes and dreams for life with their little one.
America will vote on the images from December 6 to December 15. The three finalists will be announced on December 16. Anne Geddes will personally select the grand-prize winner in January, and will shoot a rare private portrait of the winning mom and newborn in her Sydney, Australia studio.
“To illustrate the importance of love and family in the earliest stages of life is a message that I stand behind and feel privileged to experience every day,” said Geddes, who has made a commitment to the United Nations’ Every Woman Every Child effort to raise awareness about the need to improve the health of women and children in the developing world. “That is why I am proud to be a part of the Million Moms Challenge Imagine Me & You contest.”
Realizing that a healthier tomorrow for our world starts with healthy moms and babies today, the Million Moms Challenge engages millions of Americans with millions of moms in developing countries around issues that affect pregnancy, childbirth and children’s health.
“Mothers around the world look forward to sharing special moments with their babies,” noted Kathy Calvin, CEO of the United Nations Foundation. “But in developing countries, up to 1.5 million newborns die within the first 24 hours – and most of these lives could have been saved with better health care. This contest will highlight those precious milestones in life that partners like the United Nations and the Shot@Life campaign will help make a reality for mothers and children around the world.”
“There is so much we can do together – so many simple ways for us all to link arms to help every mother and child have a chance to lead a healthy life,” said Diane Sawyer, anchor of “ABC World News.” Sawyer will anchor a primetime special on maternal/newborn health that will air December 16 on “20/20.”
Disney Baby, a new brand from Disney Consumer Products, which provides parents with the essentials they need to bond with baby at every stage, is pledging to donate $50,000 to several of the largest NGOs helping moms and babies throughout the world. Each semi-finalist will receive a gift basket of Disney Baby merchandise valued at $500. Finalists will also win a year’s worth of Huggies brand diapers.
“Our goal with Disney Baby is to help moms create magical moments with their babies right from the start. We’re excited to join the Million Moms Challenge, to share those moments with America, and generate awareness for such a great cause,” said Jessi Dunne, executive vice president, Disney Moms and Babies for Disney Consumer Products.
Submissions for Imagine Me & You are open from now until 11:59 p.m., ET, December 4, 2011. Expectant moms in the United States can upload pictures on www.Facebook.com/millionmomschallenge.
Categories: Contests, Television Tags: ABC, ABC Daytime, Anne Geddes, Contest, DCP, Disney Baby, GMA, Good Morning America
Disney’s Pamela Lifford Honored by Fashion Delivers Charitable Foundation
Disney Consumer Products (DCP) today celebrates Pamela Lifford, executive vice president, Global Fashion & Home at DCP who was named one of the fashion leaders honored at Fashion Delivers™ 6th Annual Gala yesterday Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. Fashion Delivers recognized three outstanding honorees who personify the belief that the fashion industry has a heart including: Pamela Lifford; Tom P. Johnson, CEO of Aéropostale; and Andy Hilfiger, Creative Director, Andrew Charles.
Former Disney Consumer Products Chairman, Andy Mooney presented the award to Lifford during the award ceremony. Along with entertainment and fashion celebrities, Disney’s leading lady Minnie Mouse joined the gala wearing a Vivienne Tam dress designed just for her fun loving personality and fashionable style.
Lifford has led the transformation of Disney’s identity in the fashion marketplace. This transformation, which includes a focus on design, quality, and product innovation, has improved consumer and critical perceptions of Disney as a home furnishings and lifestyle brand. During her tenure DCP’s apparel team positioned Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as global fashion icons and executed new business models, now known as direct-to-retail licensing, which provide retailers with customized solutions for offering compelling and differentiated products to their shoppers.
Since 2002, Disney has collaborated with leading designers from Dolce & Gabbana to Jean Charles de Castelbajac and Stella McCartney to make classic characters like Snow White, Mickey Mouse, Alice In Wonderland and others forever fashionable. Today, Disney ranks as the world’s 15th largest apparel brand and is consistently recognized among the top 100 fashion brands by Women’s Wear Daily. Prior to joining Disney, Lifford had over 20 years of apparel industry experience, including product development roles at Road Runner Sports and Nike.
“Since our founding six years ago, Fashion Delivers has helped millions of people both here and abroad to reclaim their lives with the simple gift of new apparel or home items,” said Allan Ellinger, Chairman, Fashion Delivers. “We couldn’t do the work we do without the support of our donors and our industry — many of whom we honor at the gala. This year, we are privileged to count Pam as one of our three honorees.”
As a strong supporter of The Village Family Services in North Hollywood, Lifford participates in their annual fund raising events, and also had the fashion and home team “adopt” the charity last year. They provided funds from sample sales, donated books and services, and organized and funded their annual Christmas party for 1500 families. Lifford has supported the Los Angeles Mission’s food services and mentoring programs, has helped community-based programs for children and the elderly through Disney VoluntEARSs and volunteers for Breast Cancer Foundation events in Los Angeles.
The mission of Fashion Delivers Charitable Foundation, Inc. is to unify the men’s and women’s apparel and home industries to donate new product in order to aid victims of disasters and individuals in need throughout the year. This year Fashion Delivers is focusing on giving back to those in need on our shores with a commitment to providing apparel, home goods and personal care items to members of the military and their families who are trying to adjust to civilian life. The organization has donated over $5 million worth of product since the beginning of the year. In total, Fashion Delivers has distributed over $55 million in product donations since 2005.
Categories: Business, Merchandise Tags: Awards, Charity, Clothing, DCP, Disney Consumer Products, Fashion, Merchandise
Robert Chapek Named President, Disney Consumer Products; Role to Expand Dramatically
The Walt Disney Company President and CEO Robert A. Iger announced today Robert Chapek, President of Distribution for The Walt Disney Studios, has been promoted to President of Disney Consumer Products, reporting to Iger.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to lead our newly expanded team and to grow our brands, franchises and movie properties in the fast-changing retail and licensing marketplace.”
With this announcement, Chapek will oversee a newly formed companywide consumer products organization, which will consolidate retail and licensing across Disney’s lines of business including Walt Disney Studios, Pixar, Marvel, Media Networks, Interactive Media and Consumer Products.
“Bob’s vast experience, talent and proven track record will be key to implementing a consolidated approach to retail resulting in a more efficient and effective organization,” said Mr. Iger. “As the retail market becomes more centralized, it is important to provide the consumer with an array of choices in a seamless, coordinated way.”
Chapek said, “I’m excited about the opportunity to lead our newly expanded team and to grow our brands, franchises and movie properties in the fast-changing retail and licensing marketplace.”
In support of the new mission of cross-company retail integration, Alan Bergman, President of the Walt Disney Studios, will assume Chapek’s former responsibilities of theatrical and TV platform distribution of studio movies.
Since November 2009, Chapek has led The Walt Disney Studios’ distribution, developing strategy and overseeing the delivery of all motion pictures and television content, across the theatrical exhibition, home entertainment, pay TV, digital formats, and other new media. Chapek has been visionary on technological issues, and oversees the development of various new technologies including next generation high-definition Blu-ray Disc, in home 3D solutions, and interoperability solutions such as KeyChest and digital distribution.
In his previous role as president of Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, Chapek led the organization to record-setting performances on numerous movie titles. He has played a key role in the commercialization of Disney’s live-action and animated direct-to-video business.
Prior to joining Disney, Bob practiced brand management in the packaged goods industry with the H.J. Heinz Company and in the advertising business with J. Walter Thompson.
Disney Consumer Products (DCP), the world’s largest licensor, is a business segment of The Walt Disney Company and its affiliates that currently extends the Disney brand to merchandise ranging from apparel, toys and home décor to books and magazines, foods and beverages, stationery, electronics and animation art. This is accomplished through DCP’s various lines of business which include: Disney Fashion & Home, Disney Food, Health & Beauty and Disney Toys & Social Expressions.
Other businesses involved in Disney’s consumer products sales are Disney Publishing Worldwide, the world’s largest publisher of children’s books and magazines and DisneyStore.com and DisneyStore.co.uk, the company’s official shopping portal. The Disney Stores retail chain, which debuted in 1987, is owned and operated by Disney in North America, Europe and Japan. Disney English currently operates 15 English language learning centers in Shanghai and Beijing, China.
DCP develops Disney entertainment franchises into 365 day-a-year product opportunities at retailers worldwide. Disney-branded merchandise is inspired by characters from Disney’s beloved animated films and live-action films as well as Disney’s television entertainment, Disney Channel and Disney XD.
Contacts
The Walt Disney Company
Zenia Mucha, 818-560-5300
Recent Stories from The Walt Disney Company
*
The Walt Disney Company Reports Third Quarter Earnings
August 09, 2011
BURBANK, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) today reported earnings for its third fiscal quarter and nine months ended July 2, 2011. Diluted earnings per share (EPS) for th… more »
*
The Walt Disney Company Executives to Discuss Fiscal Third Quarter 2011 Financial Results via Webcast
June 24, 2011
BURBANK, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) will discuss third quarter 2011 financial results via a live audio Webcast beginning at 5:00 p.m. EDT / 2:00 p.m. PDT on Tuesda… more »
*
The Walt Disney Company Reports S
Categories: Business, Merchandise Tags: DCP, Merchandise
Andy Mooney Resigns as Chair of Disney Consumer Products
After leading Disney Consumer Products for close to 12 years, Andrew P. Mooney, has decided to resign from his post. Mr. Mooney joined the company in December 1999 as president of DCP and was promoted to Chairman in May 2003.
“The contributions that Andy has made to Disney have been enormous,” said Robert A. Iger, President and CEO of The Walt Disney Company. “Not only has he consistently delivered business results year after year, but his focus on the Disney brand and the creation of new franchises like Disney Princess will leave a legacy for decades. I wish him nothing but best wishes and am confident that he will continue to contribute greatly to the creative and business worlds.”
Below is an email Mr. Mooney sent to DCP employees earlier today:
It’s never easy to leave a place you love, but today I informed Bob Iger that I’ve made the difficult decision to resign as Chairman of Disney Consumer Products. After 30 years contributing to the success of two of the world’s most valuable brands in Disney and Nike, I believe this is the perfect time to take that experience into a leadership role with another organization and corporate boards.
It has been a tremendous honor to have worked for a company like Disney for more than 11 years and for a leader like Bob. But what I will miss the most and what I will always treasure is the experience to have worked with such a talented group of people at DCP.
Together, we have radically changed the licensing business, created new brands and franchises like Disney Princess and Disney Fairies, creatively re-energized the Disney Store chain and launched new businesses like Disney English. All of this has resulted in year upon year growth and doubling of our creative output.
I’m proud and grateful to have had the honor of calling each one of you a colleague and am confident that DCP is well-positioned to continue this momentum for many years.
I thank Bob for his understanding in my desire to pursue other ambitions as well as his guidance and friendship over the last 11 years.
Categories: Business, Merchandise Tags: DCP, Merchandise
Rapunzel to Receive Coronation Ceremony October 2 at Kensington Palace
Disney will officially welcome Rapunzel as the 10th Disney Princess character at a high profile, star-studded celebration, to take place in front of a global audience on October 2, 2011. Little princesses from across the globe will watch Rapunzel be welcomed into the Disney Princess royal court by Ariel, Aurora, Belle, Cinderella, Jasmine, Mulan, Pocahontas, Snow White and Tiana.
In a world first, Kensington Palace, London, UK, was chosen by Disney as the perfect location for this magical welcoming ceremony of a Disney Princess, as it has been the home of many real life princesses over the centuries.
“Once Rapunzel becomes an official member of the Disney Princess court, she will be celebrated and recognized as such across Disney, and will be included in all Disney Princess products featuring multiple characters, in addition to her own merchandise line. Plus, across all Disney Parks, Rapunzel will for the first time wear her royal tiara, stolen from the kingdom by Flynn Rider in the Tangled.” said Mary Beech, vice president of girls franchise development and marketing at Disney Consumer Products. “With London knowing a thing or two about bringing royal celebrations to a worldwide audience, it seemed only fitting for the city to become the stage for the celebration to welcome Rapunzel into our own Disney Princess royal court. We are inviting girls from across the globe to welcome each Disney Princess character to the Palace and celebrate with Rapunzel on her special day.”
Independent charity Historic Royal Palaces has joined with Disney to help stage the event, in a collaboration that aims to encourage children all over the world to explore the stories behind the real kings, queens, princes and princesses alongside Disney’s. “Our aim is to help everyone explore the stories of how monarchs and other royals have shaped society, in some of the greatest palaces ever built,” said Ruth Gill, Head of Interpretation at Historic Royal Palaces. “Kensington Palace has always been a place of spectacle, beauty and majesty, and home to many inspirational real-life Princesses. We are therefore delighted to celebrate our relationship with Disney by hosting this magical event that will welcome Rapunzel as the 10th member of the Disney Princess royal court.”
All ten Disney Princess characters will take part in the royal celebration and will be joined by VIPs, celebrities and little princesses from across the globe in festivities including a procession through Hyde Park, party activities and a welcoming ceremony.
Each Disney Princess character has a unique story that empowers girls to imagine and live their very own fairy tales. Rapunzel is a modern heroine — she may have lived her entire life locked inside a hidden tower but Rapunzel is no damsel in distress. The girl with 70 feet of glowing, magical hair is an energetic, inquisitive young lady who fills her days with art, books and imagination. She is full of curiosity about the outside world and can’t help but feel her true destiny lies outside of the lonely tower walls.
Kensington Palace has been a residence of the British Royal Family since the 17th century and is famed for its associations with Princesses. Princess Victoria (later Queen Victoria, Britain’s longest reigning monarch) was born at Kensington Palace on 24th May 1819 and was christened the following month in the Cupola Room. Her love for the palace ensured the renovations of the State Apartments in 1897 which were opened to the public on Queen Victoria’s 80th birthday. Today, parts of Kensington Palace continue to serve as residences for members of the Royal Family. The best known resident in recent years was Diana, Princess of Wales, who occupied apartments in the north-west part of the palace from 1981-1997.
WSJ: Disney Backing Down from ‘SEAL Team 6′ Trademarks
The Wall Street Journal is reporting that The Walt Disney Company is withdrawing from its multiple trademark applications for ‘SEAL Team 6.’
Stitch Kingdom was the first outlet to report the applications which occurred shortly after the assassination of Osama bin Laden by the United States Navy’s Special Warfare Development Group, once known as ‘SEAL Team 6′ but now more familiarly known as DEVGRU. After reporting the trademark applications, it was quickly picked up by other outlets, eventually making its way to a mention on NBC’s ‘Saturday Night Live’s’ Weekend Update with Seth Meyers in which a sequel to Disney/Pixar’s UP was imagined to feature Carl Fredericksen surrounded at gunpoint by Navy SEALs.
Despite the numerous reports and almost unanimous negative backlash from the public, the company has made no commentary regarding the applications nor its intents for the trademark usage.
Categories: Business, Legal, Merchandise Tags: DCP, Disney Consumer Products, Trademark
Disney to Join Forces with SEAL Team Six?; Duffy’s Girlfriend Coming to Parks
It’s an unfortunate pairing, but it appears that the Walt Disney Company has made significant gestures in both honoring the United States Navy’s SEAL Team Six, the counter-terrorism unit responsible for the recent assassination of Osama bin Laden as well bringing Duffy the Disney Bear’s gal pal Shelliemay to the parks, or at least on merchandise.
Several trademarks for SEAL TEAM 6 have been recently applied for, covering areas such as: ‘Education; providing of training; entertainment; sporting and cultural activities;’ ‘Toys, games and playthings; gymnastic and sporting articles (except clothing); hand-held units for playing electronic games other than those adapted for use with an external display screen or monitor; Christmas stockings; Christmas tree ornaments and decorations; snow globes;’ and ‘Clothing, footwear, headgear.’
We have to imagine that this move was made in partnership with the United States Government and proceeds, or a portion thereof, will go to benefit specific organizations. More information as this becomes available.
In a (hopefully) completely unrelated move, while the trademark applications for SHELLIEMAY don’t necessarily mean that Duffy’s gal pal will be showing up at the Disney Parks in North America, the intent to offer merchandising featuring her image is a strong indicator.
Categories: Disneyland Resort, Merchandise, Theme Parks, Walt Disney World Tags: DCP, Duffy, Merchandise, Trademark
Disney Living Kicks Off ‘Mother’s May’ Sweepstakes, Awarding Prizes Every Day in May
Beginning today, Disney Living, the official Facebook page of Disney Consumer Products, will kick off its month-long Mother’s May Sweepstakes to celebrate the special women in our lives. Every day in May, fans can enter to win Disney’s daily sweepstakes prizes including Disney Store gift cards, beautiful gift baskets, iPhone accessories, fashionable designer handbags and jewelry, and more. A total value of approximately $3,500 in prizes will be awarded throughout the month of May.
The sweepstakes will feature weekly themed product prizes for mom, the kids and the whole family and will conclude on May 31st with a grand prize of four passes to the Disneyland or Disney World theme parks, a value of approximately $550.
Entering is simple:
1. To enter, “Like” Disney Living’s page at www.Facebook.com/DisneyLiving
2. Fans can log-on to Disney Living’s Facebook page each day in May
3. Click on the “Mother’s May” tab to be directed to the daily sweepstakes entry form for a chance to win
4. Winners will be notified by email
5. Daily entries will be combined for a chance to win the grand prize
Mother’s May Sweepstakes entrants are limited to one entry per day. Participants must be 18 years of age or older and reside legally in the 50 United States, D.C. or Canada (excluding Quebec).
Categories: Contests, Merchandise Tags: Contest, DCP, Disney Living, Merchandise
Disney Consumer Products Lauds Licensee’s Dumping of Pooh Waste
Clean Agency has been recognized by Disney Consumer Products by being bestowed with the 2010 Quality Product Award for Sustainability award. As demonstrated in the image to the left, Clean Agency reduced the packaging materials required for the Pooh plush by a whopping 80%.
The plush, manufactured by licensee Dream, continues to have the ability to be precisely positioned on store shelves (sitting on what ironically resembles a toilet in this blog’s opinion) as well as offer the same amount of information, while using far less materials.
According to EnvironmentalLeader.com, the immediate savings as a result of the change is equal to about eight metric tons of cardboard annually based on the existing sales figures for the plush. Because the packaging consumes less physical space, the article also attributes additional potential savings in reduced transportation requirements.
Categories: Merchandise Tags: Awards, DCP, Environment, Environmentality, Merchandise, Toys, Winnie-the-Pooh
Disney Consumer Products to Unveil Web-Connected Toy Standardization Proposal at Engage Conference
Disney Consumer Products will for the first time detail a proposal to establish a set of industry development and technology standards for web-connected toys on September 22 at 11:30am at the Santa Clara Convention Center. Armen Mkrtchyan, Technology Manager, Toys and Consumer Electronics, Disney Consumer Products will lead the discussion at the Engage Conference and Expo taking place September 22 – 23 in Santa Clara. Engage! is the definitive technology event for youth entertainment professionals.
“Web connected toys are now the norm but companies are left to their own devices when it comes to design and implementation,” said Christopher Sherman, CEO of Engage Digital, producer of Engage. “Perspectives, verbiage/jargon, expectations vary from company-to-company and sometimes from product-to-product. This discussion will address the benefits and issues surrounding the establishment of standards for the development and creation of web connected toys.”
Having recently taken the helm of Toymorrow, Disney’s internal R&D group supporting all toy categories, Armen Mkrtchyan leverages a vast network of technology providers, vendors, partners, inventors, and research groups throughout The Walt Disney Company to envision and create innovative products and platforms across a broad range of toys and consumer electronics devices for kids and teens.
Web-Connected Toys: A Discussion on Standards with Disney Consumer Products (September 22 at 11:30am)
Topics to be discussed include:
- Overview of online developments
- Impact to kids and industry’s response
- Exploring the fit of current toy business models as compared to the game industry
- Would standardization enable cost reduction and increase playability?
- How Disney is exploring standardization
The Engage conference brings together leaders from the technology, video game, toy, and entertainment industries and provides critical cross-industry learning and valuable new business partnership opportunities. Armen is joined at Engage by senior level executives from Mattel, Playdom, Rovio, NPD Group, IDG Ventures, Norwest Venture Partners, Nexon America, NHN USA, Inc., Gala-Net, Toy Industry Association, Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences, Needham & Company, Wedbush Securities, IMVU, Digital Chocolate, VentureBeat, Wired, Playmatics, Kabam, Hi5 and many more.
Categories: Business, Merchandise Tags: DCP, Merchandise
‘Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23′ Unaired
‘Sword in the Stone,’ ‘Robin Hood,’
‘Once Upon A Time: Season Two’ on Blu-ray August 13 with
‘Disney’s Planes Take Flight’ Featurette Serves as
EXCLUSIVE: D23′s Steven Clark on Free Membership, New Archive
‘Disney Infinity’ Accessories by PDP Now Available for
Disney Launches Royal Ball Quinceañera Dress Collection
Golden Oak Marceline Neighborhood Now Open for Home Sales
‘Frozen’ New Concept Art of Arendelle (Ultra Hi-Res)
QR Code Business Card